Kilchiaran steer tops Islay show and sale

UNITED Auctions held its annual show and sale of suckled calves at Islay Auction Mart on Friday August 28. Some 308 calves were catalogued and sold at satisfactory levels and to a good following of buyers. Bullocks averaged £954.26 or 237.13 pence per kilo against £943.60 or 233.53 pence per kilo at last year’s sale. Heifers levelled out at £859.29 or 223.53 pence per kilo as against £804.77 or 211.06 pence per kilo last year. Mr J Taylor, Easter Ochtermuthill, Crieff, judged the various classes and he awarded the championship to a Limousin steer consigned by Messrs McLellan, Kilchiaran which later sold at £1,200 to Mr Scott Henderson, Dumfries. The reserve champion was awarded to a Limousin cross heifer, consigned by Mr A McArthur, Lossit which realised £995 to Mr Taylor. Bullocks sold to a top price per head of £1,200 from Kilchiaran and 279 pence per kilo for Limousin cross from Neriby. Heifers sold to a top price per head of £1,195 for British Blue cross from Starchmill whilst the Ardbeg consignment led the heifer prices per kilo at 263 pence for Limousin Cross.